Scanner technician

What does a Scanner Technician do? – Tasks and work environment

A Scanner Technician primarily works with digitizing and processing image and media materials. Tasks include handling advanced scanning equipment, quality control of scanned material, and post-processing to ensure digital copies meet high standards. The role involves close collaboration with photographers, archivists, and IT technicians, especially within cultural institutions, media companies, or larger organizations with extensive digitization needs. The work environment is often technically oriented, with long periods in front of computers and screens, requiring precision and the ability to handle both hardware and specialized software.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for Scanner Technicians has shown a steady upward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 37,400 SEK per month, increasing to 39 700 SEK in 2023 and further to 41 700 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total increase of approximately 11.5% over the period. The salary development can partly be explained by increased demand for digitalization services within culture, media, and public sectors, as well as the growing importance of technical skills and experience. At the same time, salary increases have been somewhat uneven between genders, with women still earning significantly less than men. Despite this, the trend indicates that the status and value of the profession have strengthened markedly in the job market.

Scanner Technician salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 41 700 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 35,200 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Highest salary: 47,200 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, unspecified education)
• Hourly wage (average): 251 SEK
• Women: 37 800 SEK/month
• Men: 44 700 SEK/month
• Women earn: 85% of men's salary

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a Scanner Technician often involves technical high school education or postgraduate studies in media, image processing, or IT. Practical skills with scanning technology and experience in digital image management are particularly important, as is the ability to work with various types of hardware and software. Many employers prefer candidates who have supplemented their education with relevant certifications or courses in digitalization and image handling.

• Technical high school: Focus on media, IT, or imaging
• Post-secondary education: YH or university programs in media technology or image processing (2–3 years)
• Certifications/courses: Specialized courses in digitalization, image processing, or archive knowledge
• Internship/trainee: Common within cultural institutions and media companies
• Prerequisites: Good computer skills and interest in technology

Common benefits and compensations

Scanner Technicians often have access to occupational pension, wellness allowances, and flexible working hours. Larger organizations may also offer compensation for unsociable hours, further training, or opportunities for skill development. Union agreements typically regulate employment conditions and overtime pay.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a Scanner Technician is relatively moderate but varies depending on region and employer. A challenge is the rapid pace of technological development—new scanning methods and software require continuous skill updates. Additionally, workload can be high during large digitization projects, demanding precision and quality. Another challenge is that the profession often forms part of broader tech or media teams, where teamwork and communication are crucial. There is also a noticeable gender pay gap that needs addressing to create a more equal labor market.

Tips for aspiring Scanner Technicians

To succeed as a Scanner Technician, it is beneficial to have a technical interest and a meticulous personality. Staying updated on new technology and software is essential and can be supported by participating in courses or networking events. Good teamwork skills facilitate working in project teams with multiple competencies, while patience and perseverance are important traits during extensive digitization projects. Demonstrating engagement with details and quality is appreciated by employers, especially when working with culturally or historically valuable material. Lastly, being flexible and adaptable is advantageous, as tasks and projects can vary rapidly.

Key facts about Scanner Technicians

• Salary range: 35,200–47,200 SEK/month
• Average salary: 41 700 SEK/month
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 85% of men's salary
• Education level: High school or postgraduate education in media/technology
• Job openings: 620 in 2024

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a Scanner Technician can advance to roles such as senior technician, team leader, or project manager within digitalization and image management. Some choose to specialize in advanced image restoration or work as consultants for larger digitization projects. The future outlook is difficult to assess due to limited statistics, but increasing digitalization in culture, media, and public sectors indicates continued steady demand. The Employment Service does not provide an exact forecast for Scanner Technicians, but the 620 job openings in related fields suggest good employment and development opportunities.

Frequently asked questions about Scanner Technicians

• What does a Scanner Technician earn?
  - A Scanner Technician has an average salary of 41 700 SEK/month, with a range between 35,200 and 47,200 SEK/month.
• How do gender differences look in the profession?
  - Women earn on average 37 800 SEK/month, which is 85% of men's average salary of 44 700 SEK/month.
• What education is required to become a Scanner Technician?
  - Most commonly, technical high school education or postgraduate studies in media, image processing, or technology.
• Are there many job openings for Scanner Technicians?
  - There are 620 registered job openings, indicating good opportunities.
• What is the hourly wage for a Scanner Technician?
  - The average hourly wage is 251 SEK for hourly-paid workers in the profession.
• What benefits are common for Scanner Technicians?
  - Common benefits include occupational pension, wellness allowance, and flexible working hours.
• What are the future prospects for Scanner Technicians?
  - The outlook is uncertain, but the digitalization trend and the number of job openings suggest steady demand.